Epilepsy SA sheds informative light on condition  

Epilepsy SA, based in Springs, is an organisation that has cared for individuals living with epilepsy for many years.
To raise awareness about the disorder, the organisation shared more about epilepsy and some common misconceptions associated with the condition.
What is epilepsy?
It is a neurological disorder characterised by unusual electrical activity in the brain, which results in recurring seizures.
It is a period of unusual behaviour, sensations and sometimes loss of awareness. Anyone can develop epilepsy.
Because of an uncontrolled increased excess electrical activity in the brain interfering with normal functions, this interrupts the relay of messages in the brain.
What people should know about it?
Not stigmatise
• People like to attach the condition to the person, which can make them feel less of a person or human being, and make them hide. It is then difficult for them to get help.
Disability rights
• People should know the rights of a person living with epilepsy and that they have protected rights.
Disclosure
• It is important for the person with epilepsy to talk about his/her condition so that people with whom they interact are aware of what to do in the event of a seizure. They can get tasks at work that do not trigger seizures.
How can we support people with epilepsy?
• Seek professional help (health institute)
• Allow the person to be him/herself
• Family support and support groups in the community
• Awareness about epilepsy in communities
• Health institutes to provide medication consistently.
What are epilepsy misconceptions?
• Swallowing your tongue during a seizure: you cannot swallow your tongue during a seizure.
• If someone is having a seizure, you should put something in their mouth to protect against biting the tongue: never insert anything in the mouth of a person having a seizure. This could hurt the person more. Instead, gently roll the person onto their side.
• You should restrain someone having a seizure: never hold down a person during a seizure.
• Epilepsy is contagious: You cannot catch epilepsy from another person.